1 1/2 scoops of vanilla protein powder. Or, if you have a cinnamon flavored protein powder.

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

2 tablespoons coconut flour*

1/3 c. egg whites

½ tsp baking powder

*Other types of flour may be substituted, but I prefer coconut flour

For the Glaze:

¼ c. maple syrup

2 tsp. smooth almond butter

Dash of cinnamon

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.2. In a bowl, mix all ingredients for the roll batter.3. Grease a muffin tin and spoon in the batter.4. Place in oven and bake close to 10 minutes. Using a knife, loosen the rolls from the pan and flip them over. Continue cooking the rolls for about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to overcook.5. Remove from oven, and to cool slightly.6. Microwave the glaze ingredients for about 15-20 seconds. Or heat over stove top (don't burn it!) Remove and stir well.7. Dip the top of rolls in the glaze mixture, allow to cool on a rack, and sprinkle with cinnamon.

One of the most delightful findings about figs is their use as a fat substitute in baked goods. Figs retain moisture in baked goods by simply using half the amount of fig puree as you would use butter or oil. Personally, I cannot use butter in recipes due to its immediate effects on my body. Coconut oil was once my saving grace until blood work indicated an immune response to coconut & most nuts. As most of us know, a challenge with gluten-free & paleo baking is the dry and unpleasant consistency even with traditional butter & oil. After endless experimentation, I found that figs truly do make an excellent sweetener and binder.

Since delicate and perishable, figs are often dried. Commercial dried figs may be treated with sulfur dioxide gas during processing as well as sulfites to extend shelf life. Federal regulations prohibit the use of these preservatives in organically produced figs. Therefore, purchasing organic figs and drying them at home will reduce exposure to these poisons.

Scroll down to learn how to dehydrate your own figs!

For food nerds like myself, here are a few FUN FIG FACTS:

Three large fresh figs contains 5.5 grams of dietary fiber. That's more fiber than in 1 cup of oatmeal or a slice of a Double Fiber Wheat Bread.

About 4 figs contain 162 milligrams of calcium. (16 percent of your daily recommendation). Half a cup of figs and half a cup of milk contain the same amount of calcium.

Known as the "fruit of the gods," figs have been enjoyed since the earliest accounts of human civilization. Tracing back to the 9th century B.C. where figs became a staple in ancient Greece and a food source for Olympians. Fast track to modern day, California remains the largest producers of figs in addition to Greece, Portugal, Turkey, and Spain.

Dehydrate your own fresh figs:

Select only ripe figs for drying (immature figs will not dry properly)

Gently remove stems and slice in half

Bring a large pot of water to boil. In a stainless steel basket, dip the figs into the water for 30 seconds. Immediately dip into a prepared bowl of ice water. (This procedure is called “checking.” It weakens the skin, allowing the figs to dehydrate faster).

This meat-based sauce is a recognizable dish among the Italian classics. There is no one recipe for Bolognese sauce but the staple ingredients tend to remain the same. The following recipe was inspired by my recent trip to New York City where Italian restaurants line every avenue. I was especially impressed by the widespread acceptance for dietary accommodations within the city. Contrary to many dining establishments, meals were offered free of allergens without compromising the taste or experience.

Vennesa, Italy

Authentic Bolognese sauce does not like to be rushed and requires about 4 hours of simmering. During my travels in Italy I crossed paths with a chef who lived in the town of Vennesa. Vennesa is among the Island's of Cinque Terra compose of 5 quaint fishing towns. This dear chef prepared freshly caught fish in olive oil, golden potatoes, and herbs from his garden. In broken English he relayed that food must be treated like a woman. "A quality meal requires your time, thoroughness, and consideration". To this day I regret never catching his name.

Of course, spending hours on cooking is a luxury. There are short cuts available since most of us rarely find opportunity to make home cooked meals. Don't be discouraged, meals like this may simply require some preparation on the weekend. Have the veggies sliced in the food processor, the meet thawed, & the remaining ingredients available in your cupboard. The night of, simply mix together and simmer.

Italian food is wonderful, especially for its potential to work with fresh and whole ingredients. Most everyone loves it and is approachable for many levels of cooking expertise.The following recipe differs from classic Bolognese sauce as it includes a hefty dose of cauliflorous vegetables and omits allergens such as dairy and gluten. The sauce attains it's orange appearance from dairy but in my opinion, dairy makes the dish far too heavy. I even omit the almond milk in my portion of the sauce because it is too rich for my liking. If you're not concerned with making your dish more nutrient dense with cauliflorous vegetables simply omit them for a more classic sauce. Even with a few alterations, the sauce lacks nothing when it comes to taste and richness, making it an excellent way to disguise vegetables for picky eaters.

1 16-oz can organic tomato sauce (or you may use whole tomatoes + juice but I do not prefer them)

1 cup organic beef or chicken stock

Package of Gluten-free pasta of choice. I used gnocchi!

Procedure:

Allow the white wine to evaporate.

Place a large saucepan to medium heat greased with olive oil. Once hot, sauté carrots, celery, onion, garlic, extra veggies if desired, and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously for about 5 minutes. Add pancetta/bacon and cook for another 10 minutes until vegetables are soft.

Turn the sauce pan to high heat (Or use a separate saucepan greased with olive oil) and brown the meat. Add sections of the meat a little at a time and break up with a wooden spatula. This allows the liquid to evaporate, the meat to caramelize, and keeps it from boiling. We want bits of golden meat sticking to the pan but we do NOT want it to burn. If not already, combine the meat and vegetables into one large saucepan.

With added milk and broth. Time to simmer

Now, lower the heat to about medium. Add in the white wine. Take your wooden spoon and scrape off the meat from the bottom of the pan. Keep reducing the heat if necessary so not to let it burn. The white wine should evaporate.

Add the milk, tomato sauce, stock, salt, and pepper.

Ensuring that nothing is stuck to the bottom, bring to boil, reduce to the lowest setting, and allow simmering for 4 hours.

Before serving, adjust seasonings to your liking.

Sprinkle some parmesan cheese for your non dairy friends or top off with fresh basil. Magnifico!

Gluten Free Nourish Me is a site dedicated to renewing lives by covering content in nutrition, active living, and the gluten-free diet. Our goal is to provide reliable information to enable educated, personal choices. We emphasize eating whole and nutrient-dense foods to renew the body and mind.